Doom has confronted all of Earth’s heroes in battle – and he’s won. What’s more, he’s used the magical power of Sorcerer Supreme to ensure that this victory has become a fixed moment in time: a thing that will stand forever, impervious to magic or time travel alike. But unbeknownst to Doom, in that climatic moment that can now never be changed, the seeds of Doom’s downfall were also fixed for all eternity. Left with an intolerable defeat that cannot be changed, Doom makes a choice he can never undo – and the rest of the world will pay his price… One World Under Doom #9 wraps up the latest status quo, shaking things up for what’s next and leaving readers to ponder.

Written by Ryan North, I’ve enjoyed One World Under Doom not for its action and excitement, but because it asks a lot of questions about leadership, Marvel’s heroes, and our real world. Within its pages, it has had Doctor Doom ruling over the world and wielding unimaginable power. He gave the world peace, healthcare, education, generally better living conditions, but at the price of their freedom and the people’s willingness to give their submission. The world’s leaders didn’t fight back, instead they caved to order that kept them in power and delivered what they chose not to. It reflected our world and far too many willing to dance with and accept fascism. It directly challenged Marvel’s heroes who could, if they chose to, deliver some of what Doom did as Emperor, but they have chosen not to.

North presented Doom as a cold and calculating character, thinking ahead and leaning on logic over heart. And, it’s his heart and love of Valeria Richards, his goddaughter, that was his undoing. North showed the one thing that could really defeat Doom and gave us a character, and event, that elevated him in some ways. There is a character with heart and love underneath the armor, but that also means he chooses not to experience those things generally.

Where One World Under Doom #9 truly gets interesting is in its final moments. Doom and Reed Richards have one last conversation as we the readers learn about the state of things. Reed posits how Doom has left the world in a worse place with those who want him back, instability in the vacuum of power, a question of so many who took advantage of the open borders. He left chaos after his order. And Doom’s lesson? To get rid of the heroes first thing. Doom will be back at some point, and he’ll be back smarter and more cunning and manipulative than ever. And, North leaves us a question, without fascism, do we get chaos, instability, and lawlessness? It’ll be interesting if the Marvel Universe explores this question and hopefully it takes it up more so than it has with questions and remaining plot threads from previous events.

The art by R.B. Silva continues to entertain with Doom traveling throughout the universe attempting to save Valeria’s life. With color by David Curiel and lettering by Travis Lanham, the art conveys a character desperate for a solution and a hectic search and quest to find exactly that. Doom feels sad, broken, and worried as he begs and bargains for someone to step forward with what he needs. There is a bargain that’s reached and while the art looks good, the moment and the art do feel a little empty. Overall, while the art looks good there’s still an underlying lack of real emotion to it all. Doom goes through a wide range of things but the comic overall comes off a little cold, even in the art.

One World Under Doom #9 is an interesting event finale. It doesn’t end with a bang, but rather a whimper. It’s pages focus on delivering a Doom that’s more than the cold, calculating individual we’re used to. Instead, it leaves an intriguing future for the Marvel Universe and an even more intriguing future for Doom. One World Under Doom #9 nails down its themes but overall lacks real emotion and connection.

Story: Ryan North Art: R.B. Silva
Color: David Curiel Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Doom battles the combined might of an entire world to maintain his control: But can even he stand against the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four…and every other hero on Earth? It seems like all hope is lost: until a desperate gambit gives the heroes exactly what they need to win! But Doom has a desperate gambit of his own: one that, though it’s never been attempted before, combines all his sorcery and science into a single brutal attack. One World Under Doom #8 leads to a shocking conclusion – with consequences that will reverberate throughout the entire Marvel Universe in this penultimate issue!

Written by Ryan North, One World Under Doom is one of the best events Marvel has released in some time. The series has delivered twists and turns with a focus on leadership, the role of heroes, and how many will allow fascism for the illusion of peace and stability. The series has delivered a lot to chew on and think about but also more than enough action. It also has depicted a Doom that feels like it meets the high expectations around his power and abilities. He’s a formidable foe that’s always a step ahead of his opponents and a trick to play to win the day.

One World Under Doom #8 is the penultimate issue of the series and sees Doom pressed on multiple fronts. The world’s heroes have attacked him with a physical and mystical front. People around the world have risen up forcing him to split his focus. Then there’s his motivation behind it all. One character, above all, can get Doom’s attention and maybe challenge him, and that’s Valeria Richards, Sue and Reed’s daughter and Doom’s goddaughter. North delivers a debate between the two where she lays out how Doom’s noble intentions have been corrupted and even with his victory, they’re tainted. The people will be subjugated no matter what at this point, he’ll rule through fear and brute strength instead of what he can deliver to the world. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

R.B. Silva does masterful work here with the art. With color by David Curiel and lettering by Travis Lanham, the comic packs a lot into a single issue. With massive battles on the physical and astral planes, a spirited debate between Doom and Valeria, and a hell of a lot of characters and moments to juggle, the art nails it. You really get a sense that Doom is both struggling but winning. That the heroes are giving it all with team-ups and power moves we haven’t seen before. It all leads to an end that just feels right both written and especially visually. It’s impressive work just getting it all in there and every moment really hitting it when it comes to the visuals (and writing as well).

One World Under Doom #8 is the penultimate issue but it delivers a hell of a punch. Marvel has kept it tight to their chest as to exactly what we can expect post this event and who is left standing and who isn’t. The event as a whole has delivered in every way and this issue builds a crescendo that will pay off when the final issue drops.

Story: Ryan North Art: R.B. Silva
Color: David Curiel Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.4 Overall: 8.3 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle